— SOBER LIVING · HALFWAY HOUSES · VA HOUSING
Build a Business That Changes Lives
Launch a profitable sober living, halfway house, or VA housing business with expert guidance. Consulting is available now, and early-access enrollment is live across all three programs.
Serving sober living, halfway house, and VA housing operators in all 50 states.
Sources: Market size & growth: The Business Research Company, Sober Living Homes Global Market Report 2026; Substance use disorder: SAMHSA, 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health; Recovery homes: Jason et al., Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly (2020)
OPERATOR-FIRST CONSULTING
Now Covering All Three Housing Verticals
One compliance-grounded consulting platform for operators building sober living, structured reentry, or veteran transitional housing.
Sober Living
$6,000Certification, compliance, operations, and referral strategy for recovery housing operators.
$6,000Explore this serviceHalfway House
$6,000Corrections requirements, contract readiness, staffing, safety, and structured reentry operations.
$6,000Explore this serviceVA Housing
$9,000VA Grant and Per Diem readiness, veteran-centered program design, partnerships, and operations.
$9,000Explore this serviceWHAT WE DO
Three Pillars of Success
Every sober living business needs the same three foundations. We deliver all three — with the expertise of someone who has been in the trenches.
Certification & Standards
We navigate the complex, state-by-state certification landscape and NARR standards so you open compliant, credible, and ready to accept referrals from day one.
- State-specific certification roadmap
- NARR certification guidance
- Zoning & Fair Housing compliance
- Business entity formation (LLC/Nonprofit)
Operations Setup
From intake policies to house rules to staff training — we build the operational foundation that keeps residents safe, staff effective, and your business running smoothly.
- Resident intake & policies
- House manager training
- Drug testing protocols
- Property & bed management systems
Marketing & Growth
We build the referral networks, digital presence, and community relationships that fill your beds and keep them full — turning your home into a recognized brand.
- Referral network development
- Digital marketing strategy
- Treatment center partnerships
- Community outreach programs
Start with your state's requirements
Certification bodies, zoning, and policy requirements differ everywhere. Read the free 50-state certification roadmap to see the exact order of operations for your market.
MEET YOUR CONSULTANT
Will Burke
As the founder of Steps To Living LLC, I've built my consulting practice on one conviction: sober living, halfway houses, and VA housing change lives — and they should also build generational wealth for the people who run them.
Whether you're an investor looking for a meaningful asset, an entrepreneur ready to enter a growing housing market, or someone with lived experience who wants to give back while building a business — I'll walk you through every step. Certification. Operations. Marketing. From concept to opening day.
I work with clients nationally across all three housing verticals, and I bring the same hands-on, no-fluff approach to every engagement. You get real guidance, real systems, and real results.
And I practice what I teach: I operate sober living homes of my own — Mentor Serenity Haven in Mentor, Ohio, and Jeffersonville Serenity Haven in Jeffersonville, Indiana.
OUR HOMES
I Operate Sober Living Homes of My Own
The consulting is built on real operating experience. These are the Serenity Haven homes Will runs today — visit them to see the standard in practice.
Mentor Serenity Haven
Structured, peer-supported sober living for men and women, serving Mentor, Lake County, and Northeast Ohio.
Visit the websiteJeffersonville Serenity Haven
A safe, supportive women's sober living home in Southern Indiana, just across the river from Louisville.
Visit the websiteWHY STEPS TO LIVING
The Difference Is In the Details
Most consultants give you a checklist. We give you a complete system — built on real experience, real compliance, and real results.
National Expertise
We understand the regulatory landscape in every state — from Pennsylvania to California. No matter where you want to operate, we know the path.
Compliance-First Approach
We build your business to meet NARR standards and state requirements from day one — protecting your investment and your residents.
Mission-Driven Results
Our clients don't just build profitable businesses — they build homes that genuinely transform lives and strengthen communities.
End-to-End Support
From your first question to your first resident, we're with you. Certification, operations, marketing — one consultant, complete coverage.
Accessible & Affordable
Premium consulting shouldn't be out of reach. We offer flexible engagement models for every stage — from first-time operators to multi-home investors.
HOW IT WORKS
Your Path to Opening Day
Six clear steps from idea to income-generating sober living business.
Free Discovery Call
We start with a no-obligation call to understand your goals, market, and budget. You'll leave with clarity on your path forward.
Custom Roadmap
We build a personalized action plan — state-specific certification requirements, business structure, property criteria, and financial projections.
Certification & Setup
We guide you through entity formation, NARR certification, zoning, insurance, and all regulatory requirements in your target state.
Operations Build-Out
We create your resident handbook, intake policies, staff training program, and all the systems you need to run a compliant, effective home.
Marketing Launch
We build your referral network, digital presence, and community relationships — so your beds fill fast and stay full.
Ongoing Support
Your success doesn't stop at opening day. We offer continued consulting, troubleshooting, and growth strategy as your portfolio expands.
THE OPPORTUNITY
A $7.5 Billion Global Market Growing Every Year
The sober living industry is growing fast, and operators who build the right systems now are positioned to lead it. With 48.4 million Americans experiencing substance use disorders and only a fraction receiving treatment, the gap between supply and demand is enormous — and sober living consulting is what turns that demand into a well-run, compliant business.
Billions in opioid settlement funds are flowing directly into recovery housing infrastructure. States are mandating certification, raising the bar for new entrants — and dramatically rewarding operators who build compliant businesses now.
Claim Your Market Position →- Global Market Size (2026 est.)
- $7.53 Billion
- Forecast Growth Rate (CAGR 2026–2030)
- 9.2%
- Americans with a Substance Use Disorder (2024)
- 48.4 Million
- Net Monthly Cash Flow (8-bed home)
- $5K–$7K (varies by state)
- Time to Profitability
- 6–18 Months
Sources: Market size & growth: The Business Research Company, Sober Living Homes Global Market Report 2026; Substance use disorder: SAMHSA, 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health; Recovery homes: Jason et al., Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly (2020)
WHO WE SERVE
Built for the Bold & the Ready
Investors
You're looking for a meaningful, recession-resistant asset class with strong cash flow and community impact. We show you exactly how to structure, fund, and scale a sober living portfolio.
Entrepreneurs
You see the opportunity and you're ready to build. We give you the roadmap, the systems, and the support to go from idea to open doors — without the costly trial-and-error.
People in Recovery
You've lived this journey. Now you want to give back and build something lasting. We help you turn your lived experience into a credible, compliant, and profitable business.
NEW OPPORTUNITY
We're Now Training Operators Nationwide
You get trained by us. You earn our STL Operator Training Certificate. You get our proven systems and ongoing support.
Who This Is For
- ✅People in recovery who want to turn their story into a business
- ✅Social workers, case managers, or counselors ready to make a bigger impact
- ✅Real estate professionals who want to add a recession-resistant income stream
- ✅Entrepreneurs who want a business with purpose AND profit
What You Get with the STL Operator Training Certificate
- Complete 10-module training curriculum
- Full template library — every form, SOP, and document
- Referral partner outreach system
- Direct access to our team for support and guidance
This is not a job. This is your own business, backed by a national operator network that has already built the infrastructure you need. If you've ever thought about doing this — this is your sign.
Explore Certification Programs →The STL Operator Training Certificate is a private training credential from Steps To Living LLC. It does not replace state recovery housing certification (such as Ohio Department of Behavioral Health certification) or NARR-affiliate certification. Income and market figures are estimates; results vary and are not guaranteed.
FREE DOWNLOAD
The Housing Startup Checklist
Every step to launch a sober living home, halfway house, or VA housing program — in the right order. From choosing your model to move-in day.
- 7 phases, 28 checklist items
- Certification and zoning steps
- Operations and opening prep
Frequently asked questions
What does Steps To Living do?
Steps To Living LLC provides consulting and operator training for people starting or improving sober living homes, halfway houses, and VA transitional housing programs — covering certification, compliance, operations, and referral strategy.
How much does consulting cost?
The Sober Living and Halfway House programs are $6,000 each and the VA Housing program is $9,000. All sales are final; no refunds.
Is the STL Operator Training Certificate the same as NARR or state certification?
No. The STL Operator Training Certificate is a training credential from Steps To Living. It is not NARR certification and not a state license or certification. Recovery-residence certification is issued by your state's NARR affiliate or state agency; our training helps you prepare for that process.
Do you guarantee certification, funding, or results?
No. Training and consulting do not guarantee certification, approval, contracts, funding, occupancy, launch timing, or financial results. Requirements vary by state, locality, agency, contract, and program.
Does Will operate sober living homes himself?
Yes. Will Burke operates Mentor Serenity Haven in Mentor, Ohio, and Jeffersonville Serenity Haven, a women's home in Jeffersonville, Indiana.
How do I get started?
Start with a free discovery call. Contact Will at (215) 498-6188 or will@stepstolivingllc.com, or visit the contact page.
LET'S TALK
Your Next Chapter Starts Here.
Ready to build a sober living business that changes lives and generates real income? Reach out today for a free discovery call with Will. No pressure, no fluff — just a real conversation about your goals.
Ready to become an Operator
Choose early-access training for sober living, halfway house, or VA housing and start building with expert guidance.
Choose Your Program →